UPSC Exam  >  UPSC Notes  >  Sociology Optional for UPSC (Notes)  >  Religion - Sociological Perspectives

Religion - Sociological Perspectives | Sociology Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Download, print and study this document offline
120 videos|427 docs

FAQs on Religion - Sociological Perspectives - Sociology Optional for UPSC (Notes)

1. What are the major sociological perspectives on religion?
Ans. The major sociological perspectives on religion include the Functionalist perspective, which views religion as a means to promote social cohesion and stability; the Conflict perspective, which sees religion as a tool for social control and oppression; and the Symbolic Interactionist perspective, which focuses on the meanings individuals attach to their religious beliefs and practices.
2. How does religion contribute to social cohesion according to Functionalism?
Ans. According to Functionalism, religion contributes to social cohesion by providing a set of shared beliefs and values that bond individuals together. It creates a sense of belonging and community, reinforces moral values, and helps individuals cope with life’s challenges, thereby promoting social order and stability.
3. In what ways can religion be a source of conflict?
Ans. Religion can be a source of conflict by fostering divisions between different religious groups, leading to discrimination, intolerance, and violence. The Conflict perspective argues that religion can be used by those in power to maintain their dominance and justify social inequalities, leading to social strife and unrest.
4. How do Symbolic Interactionists view the role of religion in everyday life?
Ans. Symbolic Interactionists view religion as a significant part of everyday life, emphasizing the personal experiences and meanings individuals derive from their religious practices. They focus on how rituals, symbols, and beliefs shape identity, influence social interactions, and contribute to the construction of social reality.
5. What role does secularization play in the study of religion?
Ans. Secularization refers to the process by which religious institutions, practices, and beliefs lose their social significance. In the study of religion, secularization is important as it examines how modern societies experience a decline in religious authority and influence, leading to changes in individual belief systems and the overall role of religion in public life.
Related Searches

Objective type Questions

,

Exam

,

study material

,

pdf

,

Free

,

mock tests for examination

,

Summary

,

practice quizzes

,

MCQs

,

Previous Year Questions with Solutions

,

Important questions

,

Semester Notes

,

past year papers

,

shortcuts and tricks

,

Religion - Sociological Perspectives | Sociology Optional for UPSC (Notes)

,

Sample Paper

,

Religion - Sociological Perspectives | Sociology Optional for UPSC (Notes)

,

video lectures

,

Religion - Sociological Perspectives | Sociology Optional for UPSC (Notes)

,

ppt

,

Viva Questions

,

Extra Questions

;